Margaret “Marty” Miller

On June 6, 2021, Marty Miller, surrounded by her family, passed away at MidMichigan Medical Center – Gratiot at the age of 88. Marty was born to August and Ivy (Schmall) Ester on October 24, 1932. She was born in Illinois, but spent most of her childhood in the Ithaca area. She grew up on the family farm. She took great interests in sports and was a great softball player.  

Marty met the love of her life, Merle, when she was just 18 years old and got married September 18, 1951. Merle always said that Marty was the “most beautiful woman that he had ever seen.” 

She was preceded in death by her husband, Merle Miller, her parents, August and Ivy Ester, her brothers: Virgil, Roy, and Frank, her sisters: Alma, Helen, June, and Betty, her son Craig Miller, her sister-in- law Evelyn Ester, her brother-in-law Ed Iles, her brother-in-law & sister-in-law Larry & Marlene Miller, sister-in-law & brother-in-law Margia & Charles Pelham, granddaughter Katrina Miller, and special nieces Diane Wojtasinski & Teri Leigeb.  

She is survived by her son Steve (Judy) Miller, daughter Shelly (Carl) McCarrick, her brother-in-law & sister-in-law Gary & Kathy Miller, her grandchildren: Melissa Fritzler, Jason Miller, Troy (Lacy) Miller, Todd (Jessica) Miller, Racheal (Matt) Miller, Kirstie (Ryan Carey) Miller, and Kelly (Jimmy) Vasquez, great grandchildren: Lorraine, Alexis, Brayden, Ian, Ethan, Jordyn, Emma, Cali, Bella, Riley, Cade, Danika, Ethan, Damien, Andrew, & Xander, as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, and best friends Dee & Shelley.  

Marty was an avid bowler. She bowled for many years earning lots of trophies and championships. She never quite got to her 300 game, but bowled many into the 200s. She loved softball and was a 3rd baseman with quite an arm. Growing up the family always went snowmobiling and fishing. Marty was known as a jokester and she always had her friends and family laughing. Marty worked in the school systems as a lunch lady in the Flint area and continued that path when she eventually retired from Carter’s in Houghton Lake in the bakery.  

Marty & Merle loved to have the family up to their home for the “Annual Gathering of the Nuts.” Her grandkids always remember eggs & bacon, Spanish rice, and Sunny D in the fridge.  

Marty spent her final 3 years of her life living with and being cared for by her daughter Shelly. Her final moments were surrounded by her two children, daughter in law, and grandchildren. She was joking up until the time she was gone. She went to be with the Lord while listening to her favorite song, “Amazing Grace” sung by her favorite artist George Jones.  

Funeral services for Marty will be 11am Thursday, June 10, 2021 at the Barden Funeral Home in Ithaca with Pastor Dave Perry officiating. Visitation will be held at the funeral home Wednesday June 9th from 2-4 and 6-8pm. 

The family is being served by the Barden Funeral Home. Condolences may be left for the family online at www.bardenfuneralhome.com.

Comments

[Slag and Penny]

Penny and I are very sorry for your loss, all of you are in our thoughts and prayers.

[SHAWN E GALECKA]

My condolences to Judy Miller and her family! It is difficult to endure a loss of a loved one. My prayers are with you all!

[Belinda Cook]

My thoughts and prayers are with Judy and her family during these difficult days.

[Joyce and Jim Houser]

So sorry to hear that Aunt Marty has passed away. I have so many
memories of good times with her and Uncle Merle over the years. Jim and I will miss our visits to Houghton and getting together at the annual reunion with the Michigan Nuts. Love you all.

[Chuck & Linda Pelham]

Our thoughts and prayers are with the family during this time. Wish we could do more or say more to ease your pain but please find comfort in these words: There’s a place in your heart ♥️ where love lives always ... and fond memories will outlast the pain of grief. Our loving thoughts are with you. 💗 Chuck & Linda

[Yolanda Walter]

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family in this time of need. I am so sorry for your loss. Yolanda Walter

[Lori Strouse]

Steve, Judy, and Families,
I was saddened to hear of your mom’s passing. It is never an easy thing to bear, but you have the love and support of an amazing family. God bless 🥀🌸🌼
Lori Strouse

[Joyce Kenny]

Sorry to here of Marty’s passing. She was a very special lady that was a pleasure to have known. She got me a job at Carter’s where I learned to do cakes and am still doing them! Bowled with her and she came to many of our softball games. Always with that wonderful smile and words of encouragement! She will be missed but know she and Merle are having a grand time back together! Condolences to the family , I had met a few of you on your family get togethers when you would come to Walmart. Prayers are with you.
Joyce Kenny

[Ardith Mulder]

My sincere condolences to Steve, Judy and family. What an amazing life she lived -- I know she will be greatly missed.